The handsome Howard was now completely armed, and presented himself at the cabin of Margaret, whose attendants, Cicely and Rose, had acquainted her of the dire preparations making on deck overhead. Sorrow and confinement had rendered her so pale that she was like a beautiful marble statue, and her exceeding fairness was rendered stronger by her dark purple dress, and the triangular cap of the same material which shaded her fine hair, the locks of which shone like golden tresses in the light of the cabin lamp. On beholding Howard in his armour she started forward to meet him. "Dear madam," said he, "I am come--to--to--" "To restore me to my family," said Margaret, with sweet earnestness; "is it not so? you will--you will do so now; for I have been told that the king's admiral approaches to demand me." "Nay, lady, I came but to convey you to a place of safety," paid he; "you are misinformed, for none in Scotland (three villains excepted) know that you are here, or that you are in the land of the living. The king was accused of abducting you, and he has lost a bloody battle near Stirling, fought by the nobles." "And my father fought against him?" "Very probably." Margaret clasped her white hands in fear and misery. "And what tidings are there of the Duke of Rothesay?" "I have heard of none," said Howard, on whom that name when uttered by her lips, fell as a mortal blight. "Lady Drummond, we are about to engage in a close, and, it must be, desperate conflict, with the king of the Scottish mariners, and it may be that you will never again be troubled by the voice or presence of Edmund Howard. Oh, think over all I have dared to urge, during the many days it has been my happiness to know you and to seek your esteem. You know my secret; say, if I survive to-night, may I hope for something more than friendship?" "Your secret," reiterated Margaret, as her fine blue eyes filled with tears; "alas, fair sir, you know not _mine_. I admire and most sincerely respect you, Edmund Howard; but more I dare not say--so, I beseech you, cease to urge me further on this most painful subject." "True, true," said Howard, beating his breast, "I have indeed but little to offer you compared with what you have lost. It may be weakness----" "The weakness of the strong man and of the gallant heart." "Alas! in love we ever carry more sail than ballast--who can control the heart in love----" "If you knew _all_, you never again would address me thus. Oh, talk not of love to me--it is in vain, nor dare I listen."